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I did the unthinkable recently.

And not “unthinkable” in the “Whoa! That’s Amazing!” kind of way.  It’s more of the “hide in your closet in shame” variety of preposterous.

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Okay, well. I might as well just come out with it.

I might have kinda sorta kept a jar of Nutella in my cabinets so long that it almost maybe came really close to expiring.

WHO.DOES.THAT.  Right?!?

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Honestly, I truly don’t know how it happened because normally I can’t be trusted around a jar of Nutella within a 5 foot radius and 3 minutes after opening it, it will be on it’s way through my digestive system. And we’re not talking just a spoonful here. More like…the whole jar.

I guess…I just did a really good job hiding it from myself?

Some things just can’t be explained.

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So, imagine me, in a sort of stupor of shock in my apartment, holding this jar and trying to figure out what to do with it, because there was no way I was going to go down in history as being the first person ever to let a jar of Nutella expire.

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When all of a sudden, I remembered this Cooking Light recipe that I had bookmarked back in October and then promptly forgotten because it was smack dab in the middle of pumpkin season (and nothing gets in the way of me and my pumpkin…although I also used to think that about Nutella, and now here we are).

Thankfully, I always seem to have bananas around so in the blink of an eye, this loaf was heading into the oven and I was breathing a sigh of relief. Because not only did I now have something fantabulastic to eat for breakfast the next morning…but my Nutella, along with my reputation, had been saved.

Lesson learned – when hiding your Nutella from yourself, do a bad job. Your conscience will thank you for it.

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One year ago…Falafel-Stuffed Eggplant with Tahini Sauce and Tomato Relish 
Two years ago…Savory Rhubarb and Chipotle-Goat Cheese Pizza 
Three years ago…Grilled Hanger Steak with Lola Steak Sauce and Lola Fries with Rosemary 
Four years ago…Spinach and Ricotta Tortelloni with Roasted Eggplant (and my first half marathon recap!) 
 
Chocolate-Hazelnut Banana Bread
Makes a 9×5-inch loaf, adapted from Cooking Light October 2012

Ingredients

  • 5 tbsp chocolate-hazelnut spread (aka Nutella)
  • 3 tbsp plus 1 tsp canola oil, divided
  • 3 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 medium ripe bananas
  • 2 large eggs
  • 6.75 oz all purpose flour
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the Nutella and 1 tsp canola oil. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, or until melted. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the 3 tbsp oil, butter, packed brown sugar, and banana. Beat with a mixer on medium-high speed until well blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Beating on low speed, add the flour to the wet ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
  5. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick baking spray. Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan. Top with the Nutella/oil mixture. Add the remaining batter. Using the end of a wooden spoon, swirl the batter so that the nutella gets swirled in, but not so much that it loses it’s separation from the batter. Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts over the top.
  6. Bake for 55 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick comes out with moist crumbs clinging to it. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan on a wire rack. Remove from the pan and let cool completely.

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You are reading this post on Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of Eats Well With Others. All rights reserved by Joanne Bruno.
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95 Responses to Chocolate-Hazelnut Banana Bread

  1. Man, I don’t think it’s possible for me to do that. Sure, I could try…but I’d sniff it out like a bloodhound in mere minutes. I am not to be trusted around Nutella. Or this bread…holy cow! I’d have to eat a couple of slices and the send it away to live with somebody else. 😉

  2. Kari says:

    Sometimes we need to hide things from ourselves so we can have the reward of making recipes like this 🙂 Just think – if you hadn’t been left with the jar, we might have missed out! This looks wonderful, and just the thing to kick start your renewed relationship with nutella.

  3. Johanna GGG says:

    I know this would be great because I have been eating chocolate sauce on banana bread this week – you see I have been given some chocolate spread and it has taken a few months but it is almost at an end and I really want more but I know it is a temptation I don’t really need in my cupboard because I would never let it get near the expiry date – though if I did I would be happy to have to make this banana bread

  4. I love hiding treats.. but really hiding them. Sometimes I get Rob to hide them because then it is a real treat when I DO find them. Larabars, score!! 🙂

  5. I didn’t even know that nutella COULD expire. Can’t decide if I am proud of you for not eating the jar or disappointed in you for letting it sit there for so long… either way, I’ll take a giant slice of this banana bread!

  6. Monica says:

    Oh, that looks good! It looks really good! I love nutella, banana bread, hazelnuts – this is perfect for me! And how moist does it look! I’d love a big slice right now, Joanne!

  7. Oh. Dear. Does this look good. What a great banana bread flavor! There are so many awesome banana bread recipes out there – this one definitely ranks high in my book!

  8. Steph says:

    Look at this!! So excited that I could call this slice of heaven breakfast!

  9. Foodycat says:

    Wow! This looks absolutely gorgeous!

  10. Simply Life says:

    ooooh wow! I want to devour more than one person should of this right now 🙂

  11. haha nope, can’t imagine letting a jar of Nutella expire!! This bread looks killer though…love all the nuts on top!

  12. bellini says:

    I have a small jar in the cupboard. I put it in a part of the cupboard and could not find it for a while, so I empathize. As for the bread loving it, especially the chopped hazelnuts on top.

  13. haha that happened to me once too. It kind of got lost in our restaurant kitchen storeroom. Those health conscious hippies weren’t a fan of it after all and I had forgotten about it. I like what you did with nutella, the bread looks just perfect for my tummy. =D

  14. How did you forget about that jar of Nutella?! Well, I’m glad you found it and created this recipe…that shot of the inside is insane. SO much Nutella! and that perfect banana bread texture. Oh man, i’m making this 🙂

  15. Joanne! you need to loosen the reins on yourself a little!! the bread/cake looks SOOOOO good – I just love hazelnut chocolate combination!
    Mary x

  16. SallyBR says:

    I don’t buy Nutella because I’ve been around myself for long enough to know….

    but I do have a bottle of Biscoff that I am doing a good job hiding from myself – gotta put it to use before it expires, if it ever does! 😉

  17. Candace says:

    I’ve never been so good at hiding Nutella or Biscoff from myself. I always seem to find it. I made a similar bread during the holidays that was fantastic. Yours looks even more delicious. I love the chopped hazelnuts on top. I can’t wait to give it a try. It would make a fantastic breakfast for me. Have a wonderful weekend, Joanne.

  18. Kevin Lynch says:

    This would have been so nice for breakfast this morning!

  19. Wish I could say the same about my Nutella hiding abilities…Maybe I’ll surprise myself one day like you did, but until then, I’m keeping it out of my cabinets for a little while. This bread sounds fantastic though. I love adding nut butters to banana bread because it makes it so moist.

  20. WOW! I am practically drooling right now that looks so good. So much wonderful gooey nuttiness!

  21. Mira says:

    Mmmmm, this looks absolutely incredible!! Banana bread AND nutella? Almost too good to be true. Also, please teach me your ways… I wish I could hide my peanut butter so successfully.

  22. Stacy says:

    I have a jar of Nutella in my kitchen cupboard from back when my daughters were home for Christmas. I am not even tempted. (The mystery of how it survived their visit remains. Usually I find the empty jar, with a cleanly licked teaspoon, in one of their closets or under the bed when they have left.) This looks like the perfect use of that jar! The nuts on top are what sold me. Just gorgeous!

  23. And, wait! This came from COOKING LIGHT?!

  24. Bananas and Nutella is the perfect combination of yumminess. I have never seen such a yummy looking banana bread. It looks easy to make. I might have to try this and see if the recipe will work okay in high elevation. Thanks!

  25. Oh Lord, I want a slice of this banana bread right now. I, too, can never be trusted around a jar of Nutella!

  26. That banana bread looks amazing – beautiful pictures Joanne!

  27. Amy says:

    Nope, I don’t believe it. I want pictures of the expiration label. I also want this bread. Badly.

  28. Oh yes yes yes, lady! This banana bread is like heaven in a loaf pan!

  29. Pam says:

    Joanne, Is it just me? Lately, when I type comments on your site, they will suddenly disappear before I push publish. Maybe I have a ghost in my computer. Hmmmm.

    I have never tried Nutella – crazy, right? This bread has me drooling & is making me think I really need to go buy a jar so I can make this.

  30. What a beautiful bread! I’m actually not much of a Nutella fan ‘straight up,’ but as an ingredient, this looks wonderful.

  31. Haha, I cannot be trusted around nutella so I just choose not to buy it. This looks like a great way to use up a jar though!

  32. marie says:

    I might be the only one on the planet that doesn’t like Nutella. My kids beg for it but I just don’t feel good about it, you’ve read the ingredient list 🙂 Anyway I do love banana bread and the pictures are mouth watering as usual.

  33. Colynn O says:

    Ummm…I want that right now! And, given that I can no longer enjoy Nutella, I’m glad that you saved it and got to enjoy it….I’m now living vicariously through you.

    I’ve seen some good vegan recipes for hazelnut spread, but haven’t gotten the chance to try any yet. Now I have a reason to. 🙂

  34. hahahaha! i don’t buy such things b/c i can’t hide them from myself 🙂 glad you didn’t actually let it expire- this looks absolutely heavenly, especially with that little crunch up top!

  35. Juliana says:

    This banana bread of yours look awesome Joanne, and yes, nutella and hazelnut are are great addition to this loaf.
    Have a great weekend 🙂

  36. Dining Alone says:

    That is like peanut butter expiring in this house, totally unheard of! The bread looks tasty!

  37. That recipe looks like a really good reason to discover forgotten Nutella.

  38. Suzie says:

    That bread looks really, really good! My stomach is growling after seeing those pictures. A good way to use the nutella. Have an awesome weekend Joanne 🙂

  39. Eileen says:

    You know, I have never even bought a jar of nutella. Maybe I should go see what I’m missing! (I have indeed eaten it in things, so this is not as horrifying as it may sound.) This banana bread sounds so intense–packed with everything delicious!

  40. That looks NAUGHTY! I love chocolate, banana bread and, hazelnuts but never thought to put them all together. Thanks for sharing.

  41. Beth says:

    Until a couple of minutes ago, one of my most pressing questions was, “What am I going to do with those bananas at the back of the counter?” Question answered, thank you very much.

  42. Wow, that looks sensational! Chocolate-hazelnut and bananas? Yes please! 🙂 Will be putting this on my to-bake list –pinning! Lovely post Joanne. Have great weekend!

  43. LOL, I once let a package of bacon go bad and I was like, “I just committed the eighth deadly sin!” lol. Pretty sure letting Nutella go bad would be the eighth deadly sin as well–letting anything awesome go bad is just not OK. Glad you saved it in the nick of time and this banana bread sounds killer!

  44. I’m speechless and salivating! This looks wonderful, Joanne!

  45. Delicious! This is some over-the-top yummy banana bread!

  46. Sam says:

    Wow. That looks amazing! Have you tried the Nanatella ice cream from Ample Hills in Brooklyn? Same idea, but, you know, ice cream.

  47. Joanne, this looks incredible! I’ve seen a lot of banana breads, but never any that made my jaw drop like this one. Gorgeous! …And I bet so darn delicious!

  48. P says:

    Whoa Joanne, who seriously does that?! Seeing that my sister can get through a Nutella jar within days (leaving none for me 🙁 ), I’m shocked, haha!

  49. G’day Joanne! While I am not a fan of Nutella, your bread looks AWESOME!!
    Love the bread photos all from a different view!
    Cheers! Joanne

  50. Hotly Spiced says:

    This looks fantastic, Joanne and I bet it would be wonderful eaten warm, straight from the oven. I love nutella too and yes, I’ve had to stop buying it because the uni students get up in arms about how I’m putting too much temptation in the house and nutella is strictly off-limits with their diets xx

  51. Wish I could find a jar in my cupboard! This would be so good for breakfast tomorrow. 🙂

  52. Here I was…minding my own business, and then bam. You went and posted this. And now, I may need to use up my Nutella too. For research and all.

  53. Jessie says:

    Nice job saving your reputation, Joanne! I’ve not bought a jar of Nutella in a long time because of this very reason, but for the sake of this crazy-good looking bread, I may have to get some. And hazelnut is my new favorite nut. LOVE this.

    Have a great weekend!

  54. Monet says:

    Haha. I’ve done that a few times. I don’t know how it happens! I think I just forget I have chocolate gold 🙂 This bread is so lovely though. What a great excuse to use up a jar of nutella! Thank you for sharing!

  55. Gloria Baker says:

    what lovely and delicious banana and chocolate bread Joanne!

  56. That Girl says:

    Wait – nutella expires?

  57. um yeah, i need to make this

  58. I know that I’d eat the entire loaf! I’ll have to make this someday when I can turn my oven back on again and when I need some Nutella comfort! YUM!

  59. Amy says:

    hahaha…..I’m so glad you found out the jar of Nutella before it expired! That will be the biggest crime committed from a Nutella lover, or blogger, or whoever!! I’m so glad you save the day! This banana bread looks amazing. I bet it tastes just as great. 🙂 And I’m sure Nutella makes anything taste better, in my humble opinion.

  60. I can never hide a jar of Nutella in my house! Somehow my kids would get to it first, it’s like they have this bond with Nutella!! Hahaha!
    Your banana bread looks so good! This would be a definite hit with my kids!
    Thanks for sharing and hope you have a great weekend!

  61. That swirl through the bread and the nuts on top are calling my name. This bread would not last long in my house!

  62. Erica says:

    Wow! That bread looks amazing, Joanne!I love nutella and I love banana bread!!!This recipe is perfect for me!

  63. Cathleen says:

    Thank you SO much for the reminder! I remember I also hid a jar of Nutella from myself! I really hope it’s ok, I’ll check right now!
    If I find it, I will need to make this ASAP. This looks fantastic!

  64. Nisrine says:

    Joanne, the bread looks totally delicious. Very pretty shots as well.

  65. This looks so chunky and moist, Joanne, I think it sounds like the ideal breakfast!

  66. Ashley says:

    This is too funny. We had a similar near-security-breach over here a while back. And it is since LONG gone and the new jar that is VERY far from expiring is nearly gone. Ahem. This looks so wonderful – I adore the Nutella and banana combo!

  67. Nutella expires? Had no idea! I think I might have a jar in the cupboard that needs to be used up. And I think I know what I’m doing with it! Hope you and the boy are having a nice weekend!

  68. Kim says:

    Yum! I love the idea of adding nutella to banana bread. The other thing I really like is that the nuts are on top of the bread instead of mixed into the bread. So many fun versions of banana bread. This one looks really good!

    I love trying out different varieties of banana bread. I noticed that this one has buttermilk and I don’t think I’ve ever tried that before. Bet

  69. teresa says:

    i’ve been known to do something like that. i get so hoardey with the treats i buy that i don’t want to eat them and then they go bad! why can’t i just live my life! haha!

    this looks awesome, i can’t think of a better way to use that amazing spread.

  70. ohh my goodness. Now I’m REALLY disappointed that my husband tossed two old bananas in the trash the other day. I had totally intended on making banana bread — this version would have been INCREDIBLE. Next week there will be more old bananas, i’m sure!

  71. Seriously though, HOW is it possible to house a jar of Nutella that long without eating all of it?? I guess it’s okay because this beautiful bread was the perfect use for it. The swirl is so pretty, and man does it look good.

  72. Gwen says:

    I don’t know Joanne, that is pretty damn crazy! I can’t be within a mile of a jar of Nutella without inhaling it! ;o
    This is the most fantastical bread I’ve ever laid eyes on!

  73. Reeni says:

    You reminded me I have not one but 2 jars in hiding just waiting to be baked into something delectable like this! LOVE.

  74. Pam says:

    I’ve found jars that I had hidden when my daughters came home from college.

  75. Lora says:

    What a great banana bread variation. Love.

  76. Donna says:

    Next time you get close to the expiration date, send the jar to me. I’ll just eat it with a spoon. Or make this awesome bread.

  77. Beth says:

    We loved these so much, I didn’t even get a photo before it was eaten. Thanks, Joanne!

  78. ohemgee close call!! But hooooray you made this CRAZYWONDERFUL bread! YUM

  79. Natalie says:

    I’m looking at the pics and can literally taste how good this is!! WANT

  80. Honey says:

    OMG.. I’m so bookmarking this… perfect for those looking for something lower fat. I love anything out of Cooking Light.

  81. This looks amazing. Don’t you dare forget about nutella in your cabinet again!

  82. Dixya says:

    this is like dream come true bread Joanee

  83. Erin says:

    I didn’t even know it could expire!? That’s crazy!

  84. grace says:

    i’m not sure i can think of an offense worse than letting nutella expire! this looks absolutely marvelous. 🙂

  85. bakeorbreak says:

    Joanne, this looks incredible! I must remember this recipe the next time I have some ripe bananas. By the way, I’m not sure I even HAVE any Nutella in my pantry. What’s that about?

  86. sandra says:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  87. sandra says:

    This looks finger licking good – like a piece of heaven

  88. Nutmeg Nanny says:

    Oh yum! This looks so amazing! I have to try this recipe 🙂

  89. Ha, I was like, what did she do, what did she do? Oh, just a jar of Nutella…wait, WHAT! For what it’s worth, I always seem to do this with my fancier ingredients that I struggle to use up before their expiry date, on account of they seem to fancy to just throw into any old thing. Sigh. Will keep this one in mind next time I’ve got a ton of bananas 🙂

  90. Almost-expired Nutella?! GASP!

    It’s okay though – you put it to great use in this amazing bread! Care to share with me? 🙂

  91. Melba says:

    I just made this and I think it’s the best banana bread I’ve ever made! Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe.

  92. Laura says:

    John and I just cleaned the fridge, so believe me I know where you are coming from! LOL

  93. […] Recipe and Photos credit to joanne-eatswellwithothers.com […]

  94. […] Chocolate-Hazelnut Banana Bread     by Joanne Eats Well With Others […]

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